the long term

noun

: a long period of time after the beginning of something
She is investing for the long term.
I think it's the better choice over the long term.
an investment that should do well in the long term
These changes may improve profits now, but they are going to cost us money in the long term.

Examples of the long term in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Such reports have helped drive Wall Street to its records because stocks tend to track the path of corporate profits over the long term. — Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 The result is a system that, in the long term, could carry out sub hunting autonomously, but in the short term acts as an onboard co-pilot, freeing up human operators while doubling sonobuoy processing capacity. — David Szondy august 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026 The Japanese government's push for pension funds and individuals to invest more in domestic markets is seen as a potential boost for the nation's bonds and currency in the long term. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 But that perspective is a misunderstanding of how recoil impacts your shooting in the long term. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for the long term

Rhymes for the long term

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Browse Nearby Words

the long run
the long term
the loop
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Cite this Entry

“The long term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20long%20term. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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